John Gill Commentary 2 Samuel 20:17

"And he came near unto her; and the woman said, Art thou Joab? And he answered, I am. Then she said unto him, Hear the words of thy handmaid. And he answered, I do hear." — 2 Samuel 20:17 (ASV)

And when he was come near unto her
As he did, upon the information of his men, that a woman on the wall had something to say to him:

the woman said, [art] you Joab ?
she was willing to be satisfied that he was really the general, before she would impart her mind to him:

and he answered, I [am he] ;
the very person you ask after:

and she said unto him, hear the words of your handmaid ;
though a woman, vouchsafe to hear what I have to say:

and he answered, I do hear :
am ready to hear, and shall patiently and attentively hear whatever may be spoken; which was giving her leave and encouragement to proceed.